Scrap-a-Roo

As some of you will know, I really enjoy different art forms, so I was very excited to see this kangaroo made out of scrap engine parts. It's such a simple idea, and very effective. It sits, with some others, just opposite the City Council offices. It was fun to watch the faces of people as they came across this small group. I'll show you another one tomorrow if you have time to stop by. Have a great week.

Messing About in Boats

After a few days of non-stop rain and much cooler weather, it's great to see some blue skies again. This is Manly, just 20mins from the city, and situated on Moreton Bay. Like many places, Manly is changing, but there are still small glimpses of her fishing village past. 

Nature's Graffiti

Take a closer look at this eucalyptus tree. It's known as a scribbly gum, and despite looking as if the junior school group tried to carve their affections for each other all over it, the zigzag tracks are actually tunnels made by the larvae of a moth. They are interesting because they reflect the life-cycle of the insects. Increases in the tunnel diameter show that the larvae is growing, and the end of the track is where it has stopped burrowing and started to pupate.

Blazing Sky

What better way to end the day than sitting on my balcony with a glass of chilled wine and a scene like this? Our run of perfect autumn weather looks like it might be at a temporary break, but I know it will return. Cheers!

In Memoriam

Just following on from yesterday's post about ANZAC day, I thought I'd share this fabulous and, I think, moving mosaic situated in the Shrine of Remembrance, sitting under the eternal flame. 

ANZAC Day

Today is ANZAC Day...a national day of remembrance both here and in New Zealand. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Above is the Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame in Brisbane.


When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.
The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. News of the landing on Gallipoli had made a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.
Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand actions during the campaign left us all a powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as the “ANZAC legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways they viewed both their past and their future.   
(Copied from the Australian War Memorial website)  http://www.awm.gov.au/

Poser!

Whilst walking through the Glass House Mountains, I came across this goanna (or lace monitor) sunning himself on an old log. I'm sure that he was enjoying his photo shoot! They can move very fast, running over short distances, and are excellent tree climbers. Thankfully this one was more than happy to sunbake.

Glass House mountains (3)

A last look at the Glass House Mountains for now...no, I am not one of them! I thought just for a change I'd include myself ...sometimes it's good to see the blogger!


Behind me is Mount Tibrogargan again. It's Monday here, so hope you all have a great week.

Glass House Mountains (2)

This is the view from a small cafe, overlooking the grove of mangoes and Mount Coonowrin, or Crookneck (377m). What better way to start the day, sitting here, enjoying a cooked breakfast. 


In Aboriginal Dreamtime mythology, Coonowrin is said to be the son of Tibrogargan and Beerwah. During a violent storm, Tibrogargan commanded his son Coonowrin to take his mother Beerwah and his siblings and help them move to safety. Being scared of the storm, Coonowrin instead ran off, and when his father found him he hit him on the back of the head, resulting in Coonowrin's crooked neck. Tibrogargan was so ashamed of his son's cowardice that to this day he sits with his back to Coonowrin.

Glass House Mountains (1)

I'm going to take you on another small tour of this part of Queensland. Hope you enjoy it. If you drive north out of Brisbane and head towards the Sunshine Coast hinterland, in just 45 mins you can find yourself in the Glass House Mountains. Rising abruptly from the plains south of Caloundra, craggy volcanic peaks tower over plantations and bushland. Here we see Mt Tibrogargan (364 m).


The name was given to these mountains by Lieutenant James Cook (later Captain) on his voyage along the east coast of Australia in 1770. Apparently they reminded him of glasshouses (glass furnaces) of his native Yorkshire. They are, in fact, volcanic plugs, the cores of extinct volcanoes that formed 27 to 26 million years ago. The pyroclastic exteriors have eroded away over the millions of years. The lookout has some nice mosaics set into the pathway depicting each mountain. 

Feeling Blue?

Wednesday, and it's 'hump day' ...I'm having a quiet, relaxing day. Hope you are too. After flying around frantically these past few days I need to rest...rather like this beautiful blue dragonfly.

New Heights

Another look at Q1 on the gold Coast. In a bid to grab more of the 'tourist dollar' Q1 has now opened "SkyPoint Climb" where the intrepid thrill seeker can climb on the outside of the tower, 270m high and get 360 degree views. If you look on the top of Q1 and look at the point just below the spire...That's it! 


The inspiration for the design of the building was the Olympic torch which was used for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. 

High Living

This is Q1. The tallest residential building in Australia and in the Southern hemisphere, and ranks fifth of the world's tallest all-residential buildings. I'm sure that this record won't last long as the trend seems to build as high as possible. 

Sun Shade

The Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise is mostly high-rise with massive apartment blocks and hotels. It seems that they are constantly building, and with land at a premium, the only way to go is up. Once the sun starts to drop in the sky, huge shadows are formed over the beach...natural sun shade form those harsh rays! The tall building you can see is called Q1. Come back tomorrow to see more.

Between The Flags

Over Easter, with perfect beach and surf weather, where else would you be other than at the coast. The only safe place to swim is between the distinctive flags, where the surf rescue are on patrol in case of any problems. The certainly had their work cut out with high numbers of people and some dumping surf. Hope your weekend is relaxing.

Golden Light

Finally back from the Easter break. It's nice to know that you don't have to travel far to feel as if you have really had a change and to re-charge the batteries. The Gold Coast is only 'down the road' from Brisbane and about an hours drive. From the hotel there was this magnificent sunset looking towards the hinterland of the Gold Coast. 

Odd One Out!

Looking around the sky the other day, all of the clouds were wispy other than this one rogue cloud that dared to be different. I wonder where this one came from...and where it was going?


I'm taking a few days off for Easter and will be back next week. Happy Easter to you all.

Wintergarden

If you enlarge the picture, you should be able to see more butterflies and possibly get some feeling of being in a distorted garden wonderland! I get the feeling that whoever designed this was on drugs...but I like it. This is the façade of the new development of the Wintergarden shopping centre in Queen Street Mall. 

Beware of.......

....low-flying giant butterflies! I'll show you what this is all about tomorrow.

Alex Bay

Alexandria Bay is often just known as Alex Bay and is a beautiful stretch of golden sand here in Noosa National Park. This is an unofficial 'clothes optional' (nudist) beach, and with this glorious weather you'd need a lot of sunscreen! We'll be returning to Brisbane tomorrow, so hope you have enjoyed the short trip here to the coast. Have a good week.

Waves

“I have always loved the beach. 

The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, 

the gentle roar of the waves all combine 

to create a sense of peace and calm.”

~Anonymous~

Hell's Gates

On a beautiful day like this it seems that this inlet has been given the wrong name; 'Hell's Gates'. On this visit there were sea turtles swimming around the calm waters, but I've seen it when there is an angry grey swell, and it could well be the entrance to Hades.